Free refrigerator disposal scheme extended to the Reefton Transfer Station

From 16 July 2025, Buller District Council (BDC), Electro Services Ltd and Smart Environmental Ltd will extend their free refrigerator disposal service to include the Reefton Transfer Station.

The current agreement enables Westport residents to safely dispose of refrigerators and freezers at the Westport Transfer Station without charge, and now Reefton residents will also be able to take advantage of the offer.

All Buller residents can drop off their old fridge (or freezer) at the Westport or Reefton Transfer Stations during opening hours.
Refrigerators contain coolant gases that pose a risk to the environment, humans and animals. Refrigerators collected for recycling need to have this gas removed before they can be processed to avoid environmental harm.

Electro Services Ltd provides the labour required to safely degas fridges prior to disposal, completing the procedure when sufficient units have been collected at each transfer station for processing.

Anthony Blom, BDC’s Group Manager Infrastructure Services acknowledges the support provided by Electro Services Ltd and Smart Environmental Ltd and says: “This programme has been a valuable initiative, helping Buller residents responsibly dispose of their old fridges and freezers, and in particular, safely managing the harmful coolant gasses.

What’s more, no one wants to see whiteware creating an eyesore when dumped in our recreational spaces and natural areas.”
Approximately 30 fridges per month have been degassed and safely disposed of as part of the programme over the four years it has been operational, with many additional units processed during the cleanup phase after the 2021 and 2022 floods.

The programme’s degassing costs are covered 50:50 by Electro Services Ltd and BDC. BDC’s share is paid for via funding received from the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Levy Fund.

Once the refrigerants are removed, the whiteware can be recycled as scrap metal, with the refrigerant gases safely contained and sent overseas for reprocessing. Please note, disposal of other whiteware, such as washing machines, incurs a charge of $11.20 per item.

Council aims to move the district towards a circular economy through education, awareness campaigns and disposal initiatives like this one. Operating sustainably is a fundamental part of meeting national and global climate and waste management standards.

Mr Blom concludes: “Initiatives like fridge degassing—and the community’s involvement in them—are key to making steady improvements to Buller’s waste and recycling systems."

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.